Crucifix Removal and Restoration

Fairfax County removed a life-sized, historic crucifix on December 6,
2006 from the former Lorton prison chapel for cleaning and restoration.
The county was assisted in the removal by ELY, Inc., a firm that
specializes in the proper handling and packaging of art and artifacts.

The crucifix, which dates to approximately 1961, consists of a plaster
body cast modeled after a death-row inmate, later pardoned, and a cross
that was likely fashioned from timbers from the prison site. The closure
of Lorton prison, in 2001, resulted in a loss of climate control in the
buildings causing the 15 by 8 foot crucifix to show signs of
deterioration. The removal allowed for the cleaning of the crucifix and
placement in more hospitable environment.

Dana Moffett, Objects Conservator, performed cleaning and restoration
work, which included the removal of ceiling plaster from the figure, a
careful cleaning of the object, and adding adhesive where necessary
to secure existing cracks in the object. The crucifix was wrapped
and secured for storage.